Awning assembly



Dec. 7, 1965 A. RUPRIGHT 3,221,756

AWNING ASSEMBLY Filed Feb. 7, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY CE CLWM ATTORNEY B- A- RUPRIGHT AWNING ASSEMBLY Dec. 7, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. '7, 1962 INVENTOR BERT A. Eu szuau'r BY as a ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,221,756 AWNING ASSEMBLY Bert A. Rupright, Lansing, Mich.; Helen Rupright, widow of said Bert A. Rupright, deceased, assignor of fifty percent to Louis Wendrow, Lansing, Mich.

Filed Feb. 7, 1962, Ser. N 0. 171,739 9 Claims. (Cl. 135-5) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in outdoor furniture, and more particularly to a novel awning particularly adapted for use in combination with a picnic table.

Picnic tables are commercially made and marketed as tables with a pair of seats which may be separate or unit joined to the table. These picnic tables, however, lack any detachable means for protecting the users from either the sun or rain, and likewise lack anything from which netting can be suspended to protect the food and picnickers from flies, mosquitos, et cetera. It was a recognition of these problems, and the lack of any commercially on the market solution for same, which led to the conception and development of the present invention.

Accordingly among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a novel awning which is particularly adapted for use with a picnic table and which may be readily mounted on existing picnic tables.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel picnic table awning which is of a very simple construction and which may be readily mounted on existing picnic tables by merely seating standards of the awning at opposite ends of the picnic table and clamping the standards to the table top.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel awning for picnic tables, the awning being in the form of a frame having a removable cover, and the frame being readily detached and collapsed to permit the storage thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel awning for use in conjunction with picnic tables and the like, the awning including a frame and a cover, the frame having projecting end portions which are spring loaded and which are received in sockets in the cover so as to firmly interlock the cover with the frame and to retain the cover in a relatively taut condition when positioned on the frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel awning frame which includes a pair of standards which are provided with fittings at the tops thereof, the fittings having hingedly connected thereto rafters, and the rafters being braced by means of pivotally mounted braces which are releasably secured to the standards, the frame further including a ridge pole which is removably secured to the tops of the standards and which has braces pivotally connected thereto and releasably connected to the rafters of the standards whereby the entire frame may be readily disassembled and collapsed.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel frame and cover construction for an awning wherein the frame includes standards having rafters projecting therefrom and a ridge pole connecting together the standards, the ridge pole projecting beyond the standards and being releasably secured to the standards by a pin passing through the ridge pole and projecting thereabove on each standard, the cover being provided with suitable sockets receiving the ends of the rafters and the ridge pole and grommets for the upstanding pins of the standards.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel frame for use in supporting a cover as part of an awning for a picnic table, the frame preferably being of tubular construction so as to provide an extremely light Weight construction, said frame also being readily collapsible for carrying and storage whereby the picnic table awning is feasible from a standpoint of practicality.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an awning suitable for mounting on a picnic table for protecting both the table top and benches thereof, the awning being of relatively simple construction and formed of relatively inexpensive materials which may be readily assembled whereby the awning is economically feasible.

Still further objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description progresses.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists of the awning means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain means for carrying out the invention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In the annexed drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a conventional picnic table provided with the picnic table awning, which is the subject of this invention, and shows the general details of the awning, both the picnic table and the cover of the awning being shown in phantom lines.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of FIGURE 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows the specific details of a portion of the frame of the awning.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows further details of the frame of the awning.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded perspective view of the upper end of one of the standards of the awning frame and shows the specific details of a preferred form of the fitting carried thereby.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIGURE 3, looking in the direction of the arrows, and specifically shows some of the details of the awning frame at one of the standards.

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of a standard assembly of the awning frame in its collapsed state.

FIGURE 7 is a view of the ridge pole of the awning frame in two-piece form, with same being in the collapsed state thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURE 1 a conventional picnic table, generally referred to by the numeral 10. The picnic table 10 includes a table top 11, and a pair of benches 12 disposed along opposite sides of the same.

In accordance with the present invention, the picnic table 10 is provided with an awning, generally referred to by the numeral 13. The awning 13 is supported from the table top 11 and includes a cover 14 and a frame, generally referred to by the numeral 15.

The frame 15 includes a pair of standard assemblies 16 which are mounted at opposite ends of the table top 11. The standard assemblies 16 are preferably identical and are connected together by a ridge pole assembly 17.

Each of the standard assemblies 16 includes a standard 18 which is preferably of a tubular construction so as to be light in weight and at the same time have a high strength-to-weight ratio. The upper end of each of the standards 18 is provided with a fitting, generally referred to by the numeral 19. Each fitting 19 includes a cap member 20, FIGURE 4, which is telescoped over the upper end of the associated standard 18. A pair of ears 21 extend from opposite sides of the cap member 20. In addition, a pin 22 extends vertically from the top part of the cap member for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth.

Each of the standard assemblies 16, FIGURE 1, includes a pair of rafters 23 extending in opposite directions from the fitting 19 thereof. Each rafter 23 is also preferably of a tubular construction and the inner end thereof is provided with a plug 24, FIGURE 5, having a flange 25 projecting therefrom. Each flange 25 is pivotally connected to an associated one of the ears 21 by means of a pivot pin 26 which is preferably in the form of a rivet. As is best shown in FIGURES 2 and 6, the rafters 23 are preferably of a bowed construction.

Each of the rafters 23, FIGURE 2, has at least one brace 27 pivotally connected thereto, as at 28. The opposite end of each of the braces 27 is pivotally connected by means of a pivot pin 29 to an ear 30 of a sleeve 31 which is vertically slidable on the standard 18.

As is best shown in FIGURE 6, when the sleeve 31 is disposed in a lowered position on the standard 18, the rafters 23 are disposed alongside the standard 18 and the standard assembly 16 is collapsed for ready handling and storage. On the other hand, when the sleeve 31 is slid up along the standard 18 to the position illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, the braces 27 force the rafters 23 upwardly and outwardly to the positions shown in FIG- URES 2 and 3. The sleeve 31 is held in an elevated position on the standard 18 by means of a pin 32 which pass through an opening 33, FIGURE 6, in the standard 18. The pin 32 is preferably anchored against loss by means of a chain 34 which is carried by one of the pivot pins 29.

In order to facilitate the mounting of each standard assembly 16 on the table top 11, the bottom of each standard 18, in preferred construction, is provided with a foot 35. The foot 35 is intended to be rested on the table top 11, as is shown in FIGURE 1, and has associated therewith a clamp 36. The clamp 36, FIGURE 6, is shown as being separate from the foot 35 and is anchored against loss by means of a chain 37 connected to the standard 18. However, one jaw of the clamp 36 may be permanently secured to the foot 35 if it is so desired, and it is intended that the drawing be considered as diagrammatically including same.

Referring now to FIGURE 5 in particular, it will be seen that the outer end of each of the rafters 23 has a pin 38 projecting therefrom. The pin 38 is urged outwardly by means of a spring 39 disposed within the end of the associated rafter 23. A knob 40 is connected to the pin 38 to facilitate the temporary manual retraction thereof against the outward urging of the spring 39 for a reason to be described in detail hereinafter.

The ridge pole assembly 17, FIGURE 1, includes an elongated ridge pole 41 which extends between the fittings 19 of the standards 18. The ridge pole 41 is preferably formed in two sections 42 connected together by a pin 43, FIGURE 7, telescoped within the ends of the ridge pole sections 42.

Each of the ridge pole sections 42, FIGURE 5, carries a yoke-like strap 44 to which there is pivotally connected a pair of twisted braces 45. Each brace 45 is connected to the associated strap 4-4 by means of a pivot pin 46. Each of the braces 45 has an offset end portion 47 which is releasably secured to an associated one of the rafters 23 by means of a locking pin 48. The locking pin 48 is of the type which is associated with a member preferably having a slot-type opening therein so that by loosening the locking pin 48, the offset end portion 47 may be released from its associated rafter 23 while the locking pin 48 remains a part of the rafter 23.

As is best shown in FIGURE 5, the terminal end of each of the ridge pole sections 42 is provided with a projecting pin 49. The pin 49 is urged outwardly from its telescoped position within the end of the ridge pole section 42 by means of a spring 50 telescoped within the ridge pole section. The inner end of each spring 50 is anchored against further inward movement by means of a pin 51. Such a pin is also used to prevent the inward movement of the springs 39 of rafters 23. Each of the pins 49 has a knob 52 to facilitate the retraction thereof for installation and removal of awning cover 14.

It is to be noted that each of the ridge pole sections 42 is provided with a bore for receiving an associated one of the pins 49. When the frame 15, FIGURE 1, is to be erected, the standard assemblies 16 are opened and clamped to the opposite ends of the table top 11. The two ridge pole sections 42 are connected by means of pin 43, and the entire ridge pole assembly 17 is secured to the standard assemblies 16 by slipping the outer end portion of the ridge pole sections 42 down over the upstanding pins 22. The braces 45 are then connected to the rafters 23. The frame 15 is now completed and is ready to receive the cover 14.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 once again, it will be seen that the cover 14 is provided with a pair of grommets 54 which receive those portions of the pins 22 projecting up through the ridge pole 41. It will also be noted that the underside of the cover 14 is provided with sleeves or sockets 55 built thereinto for the reception of the ends of the rafters 23 and the ridge pole 41.

After the cover 14 is initially engaged with the pins 22, the pins 49 at the opposite ends of the ridge pole 41 are retracted and seated in their associated sockets 55. This stretches the cover 14 longitudinally of the frame 15. Then, at the corner of each end of the cover 14, the pins 33 are retracted and inserted in the sockets 55 thereof with the result that the cover 14 is not only longitudinally tensioned, but also transversely tensioned, and the cover 14 is retained on the frame 15 in a taut state.

It will be understood that the size of the awning 13 may vary as is desired. However, it is desirable that the width of the cover 14 be such so as not only to substantially protect any articles which may be placed on the table top 11, but also the occupants (not shown) of the benches 12. It is also to be understood that the cover 14, as well as the various components of the frame 15, are formed of light weight materials so that the entire awning 13 may be readily handled. In addition, as is clearly shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the frame 15 of the awning 13 may be readily collapsed into compact form for storage purposes.

Although the awning 13 is primarily intended for use in conjunction with a picnic table, such as the picnic table 10, it is to be understood that the principles of construction of the awning may be utilized in the forming of awnings for purposes other than use in conjunction with picnic tables.

Although a preferred form of awning has been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that minor changes may be made in the awning construction within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein defined and illustrated in the drawings.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the awning and combinations herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed:

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. An awning comprising a frame and a cover, said frame including an pair of upright standard-s having a pin extending from the upper end of same, a ridge pole connecting the upper portions of said standards and having openings to receive said pin on the upper end of each of said standards to releasably fasten said ridge pole on said standards, a pair of rafters pivotally connected to and extending with free outer ends from the upper portion of each of said standards generally at right angles to said ridge pole, fixed location pivot means on said ridge pole spaced inward from the ends of same, braces pivotally connected to and extending from said rafters to intermediate portions of said standards, rafter adjusting means vertically adjustably mounted on said standards and pivotally connected to said braces, braces extending from said fixed location pivot means of said ridge pole to said rafters, means releasably fastening the ends of said last named braces to said rafters, and said cover overlying said frame and having sockets receiving said free outer end portions of said rafters.

2. An awning frame comprising a pair'of upright standards, a fitting carried at the upper end of each of said standards, said fitting having a pin extending upward from the upper end of same, a pair of oppositely extending rafters hingedly connected to each fitting, braces pivotally connected to each pair of rafters, a bracket vertically slidably mounted on each of said standards and pivotally connected to the other end of said braces, means releasably anchoring said brackets to said standards to facilitate the folding of each standard and pair of rafters as a unit, a ridge pole extending between said standards and having openings to receive said pins for releasably connecting same to said fittings, fixed location pivot means on said ridge pole spaced inward from the ends of same, said ridge pole carrying a pair of braces pivotally connected to said fixed location pivot means, and means for releasably connecting the other end of said braces to said rafters.

3. An awning frame comprising a pair of upright standards, a fitting carried at the upper end of each of said standards, said fitting having a pin extending upward from the upper end of same, a pair of oppositely extending rafters hingedly connected to each fitting, braces pivotally connected to each pair of rafters, a bracket vertically slidably mounted on each of said standards and pivotally connected to the other end of said braces, means releasably anchoring said brackets to said standards to facilitate the folding of each standard and pair of rafters as a unit, a ridge pole extending between said standards and having openings to receive said pins for releasably connecting same to said fittings, fixed location pivot means on said ridge pole spaced inward from the ends of same, said ridge pole carrying at each end of same a pair of braces pivotally connected to said fixed location pivot means, and means for releasably connecting the other end of said braces to said rafters, a cover overlying said frame, and means releasably securing said cover to said frame.

4. The awning frame of claim 3 wherein said ridge pole has ends projecting beyond said standard fittings, and said cover having sockets receiving end portions of both said ridge pole and said rafters.

5. The awning frame of claim 3 wherein said ridge pole has ends projecting beyond said standard fittings, said cover having sockets receiving the end portions of both said ridge pole and said rafters, and grommets in said cover receiving said upwardly projecting pins of said fittings on the top of said upright standards.

6. The awning frame of claim 5 wherein the extending end portions of said ridge pole and said rafters all have tubular end members, and said end members have outwardly urged spring loaded pins telescopically fitting said tubular end members and fitting said sockets for assuring the tightening of said cover.

7. The awning frame of claim 3 wherein said ridge pole has ends projecting beyond said standard fittings, said cover having sockets receiving end portions of said ridge pole and said rafters, and said ridge pole and said rafter end portions include outwardly urged spring loaded pins for assuring the tightening of said cover.

8. The awning frame of claim 3 wherein said ridge pole has end-s projecting beyond said standard fittings, said cover having sockets receiving end portions of said ridge pole and said rafters, said awning being particularly adapted for use with a table, and said standard having table top clamping lower end portions.

9. The awning frame of claim 3 wherein said ridge pole has ends projecting beyond said standard fittings, said cover having sockets receiving end portions of said ridge pole and said rafters, said awning being particularly adapted for use with a picnic table, said standards having feet on the lower ends thereof, and a table clamp associated with each foot.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,150,764 8/1915 Hocking et al 7.1 1,283,322 10/1918 Schahfer 135-5 X 1,856,658 5/1932 Rummler 135-5 2,084,524 6/1937 Eide 135-3 2,644,592 7/1953 Campion 1357.l X 2,912,703 11/1959 Murphy 1356 X 2,928,403 3/ 1960 Hoskins 1353 3,032,046 5/1962 Coonradt l357.l X

FOREIGN PATENTS 1 ,084,050 1/1955 France.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. M. HENSON WOOD, JR, Examiner. 

1. AN AWNING COMPRISING A FRAME AND A COVER, SAID FRAME INCLUDING AN PAIR OF UPRIGHT STANDARDS HAVING A PIN EXTENDING FROM THE UPPER END OF SAME, A RIDGE POLE CONNECTING THE UPPER PORTIONS OF SAID STANDARDS AND HAVING OPENINGS TO RECEIVE SAID PIN ON THE UPPER END OF EACH OF SAID STANDARDS TO RELEASABLY FASTEN SAID RIDGE POLE ON SAID STANDARDS, A PAIR OF RAFTERS PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO AND EXTENDING WITH FREE OUTER ENDS FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF EACH OF SAID STANDARDS GENERALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID RIDGE POLE, FIXED LOCATION PIVOT MEANS ON SAID RIDGE POLE SPACED INWARD FROM THE ENDS OF SAME, BRACES PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO AND EXTENDING FROM SAID RAFTERS TO INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS OF SAID STANDARDS, RAFTER ADJUSTING MEANS VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID STANDARDS AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID BRACES, BRACES EXTENDING FROM SAID FIXED LOCATION PIVOT MEANS OF SAID RIDGE POLE TO SAID RAFTERS, MEANS RELEASABLY FASTENING THE ENDS OF SAID LAST NAMED BRACES TO SAID RAFTERS, AND SAID COVER OVERLYING SAID FRAME AND HAVING SOCKETS RECEIVING SAID FREE OUTER END PORTIONS OF SAID RAFTERS. 